LUFC On This Day - June 27th

A look back at what happened on this day June 27th in the recent history of Leeds United.

Leeds have never played a game on this day in their history, so today we look back in the Vital Leeds archives of the last few years to see what was being reported.

2002Just over a year after leading Leeds to the Champions League semi-final, David O`Leary is sacked by the club.

2007The long running saga that is the Leeds United administration proceedings and Ken Bates` re-rise to power looks set to be extended, as a number of Yorkshire MP`s look set to stick their nose into the clubs affairs.

Liberal Democrat MP Phil Willis who, alongside Labour's George Mudie and Colin Burgon met with Treasury Minister Ed Balls (great name for a football story), paymaster general, Dawn Primarolo, and the sports minister, Richard Caborn to try and persuade the Government/HM Customs & Revenue to look once more at the agreement which should see Ken Bates reacquire control of Leeds United.

The Yorkshire Post are claiming that it was 'Yorkshire Radio,' a company of which is a Leeds United creditor, tipped the balance to secure Bates the 75% majority which he required to ensure that he regained ownership of the football club. It has been suggested that Yorkshire Radio had not previously been listed as a creditor and that the company includes Ken Bates as a listed director. This information seemingly only being available once the CVA vote had been cast.

It is this that has prompted Willis, Mudie and Burgon to approach Westminster, and it looks likely that HM Revenue & Customs will now investigate the on goings at Elland Road.

An 'insider` at HM Revenue & Customs told the Daily Telegraph: 'We are furious at the raw deal we have got out of this debacle. We are getting a penny in the pound for £7m of public money which should be used to pay for hospitals and schools and other important public services.'

2008With Leeds United having 4 out of the first 5 away fixtures having had alterations to kick-off times for safety, Gary McAllister is backing the United faithful.

Only Leeds` trip to Swindon Town will remain at the normal Saturday kick-off time of 3pm, with the previous roat trips all kicking off at or around lunchtime, at the request of the police and clubs, still afraid of any trouble that may be caused by a Leeds United fan base with a distant past reputation, still preceding, and following them as they travel around the country.

Gary Mac is backing the fans, as everyone tries to fathom out just why Leeds supporters have to suffer as he told Leedsunited.com:

'When you see the changes you instantly think how awkward it is for our fans to travel across the country,' said the boss.<BR>'As players you can deal with it. All our organisation is done and travel arrangements are sorted. But people have to work and there's no consideration to the travelling Leeds fans with these kicks offs.

'I've never sensed anything from the Leeds crowd other than a group of fans who go to support their team. And if anything they boosted the whole division last season.

He added what I think to be the most important part of this whole sorry saga:

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post Dougie Freedman has left the 'door ajar` for an Elland Road return.

Freedman, initially reluctant to leave Crystal Palace last season, eventually found his way to Yorkshire minus his family and was instrumental in Leeds` late form, often popping up to make the difference during overall poor team performances.

It now seems that with Freedman`s Palace career all but over, he`s looking for possibly that one last move, or a short-term deal that would keep him closer to home than his last trek North of Watford Gap services.

He said: 'I'm very open-minded about Leeds. I can honestly say that I don't have a clue what my future holds but I really enjoyed my time there and I know better than to rule anything out.

'One thing I have closed the door on is another loan at Leeds. I've made a decision that if I do go out on loan again, I'll look for a move in the London area which allows me to live at home with my family.'

2009Leeds trip to the Galpharm Stadium to play their Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town on Saturday February 27th will have an early kick off at 12:30pm instead of 3:00pm.

The match has been brought forward at the request of the police.

2011Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has completed his move to fellow championship side Leicester City.

The 24 year old has signed on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Leeds accepted an offer from Leicester last week and Schmeichel completed the formalities of joining the Foxes.

Schmeichel spent one season at Elland Road making forty appearances.

Leeds trip to Burnley on November 19th will now be shown live on the BBC.

The game will remain on the Saturday but will kick off at the earlier time of 12.45pm..

It is the third game to be chosen for live TV coverage involving Leeds already this season.

2013Leeds United have had another game in August chosen for live TV coverage.

The home game against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday August 31st will now kick off at 12.15pm and it will be shown live by Sky Sports.

The announcement follows the game at Leicester City on August 11th and the home game with Sheffield Wednesday on August 17th also being chosen for live coverage.

Vital Leeds is now available on both facebook and twitter, so if you are that way inclined and more importantly understand all this new fangled dangled stuff, feel free to watch us, poke us or whatever else you are meant to do there!